Duke star forward Kyle Singler is hoping to beat the timetable for his return to full activity as the Blue Devils prepare to pursue a second consecutive NCAA championship.

Two weeks removed from surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee, Singler told Sporting News he is scheduled to return at the start of October. But, he added, "I might be back sooner than that, just because I'm itching to get back in there … I think I'll be playing in 5-6 days."

Wednesday, Singler took part in non-contact drills with the Blue Devils for the first time. Teams are permitted two hours of weekly supervised drills prior to the Oct. 15 start of official practice. He said how his knee responds to that will help determine how quickly he's able to get back.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said last week that Singler would be available to play if the Devils were in season, and Singler concurred with that assessment. He said his left knee recently tested out as strong as his right knee.

"It's felt great for about a week," Singler said. "We're just making sure everything recovers … We're just making sure everything is perfect."

Singler averaged 17.7 points and 7 rebounds for Duke last season and was named Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA Tournament for averaging 20 points and 9 rebounds in the Final Four.

He was selected as Sporting News preseason player of the year for 2010-11 and spent the part of June and August with the USA Basketball Select Team of collegians that practice against the U.S. senior national team in preparation for its FIBA World Championships trip.

As such, Singler admits a little leisure is not an entirely bad thing on the eve of the season.

"I wish I was out there, but I have to say at the same time it's nice to get a little break," Singler said. "It always sucks not being able to be with your team. I've missed out on things throughout the preseason, and I'd always been a part of it.

"Getting the rest is good. I'm kind of rehabbing my whole body. I'm learning how to take care of myself a little better."